An exceptionally rare Pierre Jeanneret Work Table, dating from 1960–61 and designed for Chandigarh, India. Constructed from teak and sisso with its original sheet-metal top, this is one of the rarest pieces of Jeanneret's Chandigarh furniture we have had the opportunity to handle.

The table was reportedly used at the Mechanical Engineering College in Chandigarh, and its construction is entirely suited to an institutional working environment. The large rectangular sheet-metal surface is supported on a solid timber frame, with four strongly splayed legs and relatively little structure beneath the top. The result is a table that feels remarkably light and architectural despite the practical nature of its original purpose.

The sheet-metal top is original to the table and was used in this form whilst at the college. This is important to the character and integrity of the piece. Decades of institutional use have left an extraordinary surface, with scratches, marks, oxidation, areas of wear and considerable variation in colour across the metal. The consistency and depth of this accumulated patina also provide compelling physical evidence that the metal surface has been with the table rather than being a new addition.

For us, the top is what makes the table so remarkable. Jeanneret's Chandigarh furniture is more commonly encountered in teak, sisso and cane, and the large expanse of aged metal gives this piece a very different character. It also provides a particularly direct connection with the table's practical institutional use. Nothing about the surface feels decorative; it is the result of decades of work.

The simplicity of the timber structure beneath provides a strong contrast. The warm teak and sisso frame sits beneath the cool grey metal surface, while the splayed legs give the table a distinctly architectural profile. An original institutional marking remains visible on one of the legs.

At 184 cm long and 91.5 cm deep, the proportions are extremely usable. Although conceived as a work table for an institutional setting, the restrained construction and generous rectangular top allow it to work equally well as a desk, work table or dining table in a contemporary interior.

The table has undergone extensive conservation. The original sheet-metal top has been carefully restored, including re-welding sections of the edges where necessary and restoring a damaged corner. The intention throughout was to make the table structurally sound while retaining as much of the original surface as possible. The extensive scratches, oxidation, marks and variations in the metal have therefore been preserved rather than removed.

The timber frame has likewise been structurally restored where required, then lightly cleaned and waxed. Again, the emphasis has been on conservation rather than renewal. Dings, dents, scratches, colour variation and other evidence of institutional use remain clearly visible throughout the teak and sisso.

Despite handling a large number of pieces of Chandigarh furniture over the years, we have encountered very few tables of this type. For us, it is an important piece: not simply because of its rarity, but because the combination of the original metal working surface, institutional construction and surviving patina gives such a tangible sense of how Jeanneret's furniture actually functioned within Chandigarh.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture for nearly nineteen years and have extensive experience in identifying, sourcing, restoring and selling his work. Given the number of later reproductions and incorrectly attributed pieces now on the market, we understand the importance of provenance, construction, materials and restoration when assessing Chandigarh furniture. We are always happy to discuss these aspects in detail and answer any questions regarding the attribution, provenance or restoration of our Chandigarh pieces.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.